brown's departure

The Seahawks' own version of "Mr. Clutch" has officially left the building.

Josh Brown signed a five-year agreement with the Rams yesterday, reportedly totaling $14.2 million, including a $4 million signing bonus. That's the most for a kicker in the NFL. Ever.

And as we know in Seattle, Brown is worth every penny. 

*sniff* 

The Rams are bastards for doing this, especially since they're a division rival on the mend after an atrocious '07 season. The teams that suffer that badly in one season typically get pretty pissed off and furiously rebuild in the following off-season, which takes a lot of resources and crafty manuevers by the owners, coaching staff and GM.

And lots and lots of money.  

And St. Louis knows if they botch it up again this year and half the squad gets injured in the first three games, they're toast. They might've stolen our kicker, but it shouldn't be any reason for Seattle fans to run around in a blind frenzied panic screaming "SHIT SHIT SHIT THE RAMS ARE GOING TO BE REALLY GOOD THIS YEAR" anytime soon. Marc Bulger looks about as useful as an ejection seat in a helicopter, and with Isaac Bruce headed to San Francisco, that leaves the aging QB with only Torry Holt to throw to. (And quiet with this "Drew Bennett is underrated" nonsense. SHH!!)

How old is Isaac Bruce, anyway? 85? The Niners are already desperate with just a few days into the free agency frenzy, it seems. That should be fun to watch during the regular season ths year. 

In the meantime, the 'hawks need to seriously think about who could possibly replace Brown. Jeff Wilkins retired, so it's not like we can just swap kickers with St. Louis. (And judging by how many points Wilkins lost me on my fantasy squad last year, I don't think we'd want to jump on that grenade anyway.)

Jason Elam, anyone? Hell, why not? He's about as solid as kickers come in the NFL, and the Broncos are looking like they're releasing players for salary cap space anyway. (A similar story seems to be unfolding here in Seattle as well.)  

Well, St. Louis, have fun with our kicker and treat him nicely. Even when we storm into your silly arch-laden town and stomp all over your team again. I'll bring the popcorn.